News
The Nautilus Maldives announces 2024 collaboration with Ananda in the Himalayas
The Nautilus, a five-star ultra-luxury private island hideaway in the Maldives, will host two senior practitioners from the world’s most renowned holistic wellness retreat, Ananda in the Himalayas from 16th to 26th August 2024. Combining Ananda’s specialist Ayurvedic knowledge with The Nautilus’s timeless hospitality offering, this residency will provide the ultimate restorative wellness experience.
Located on the Baa Atoll in the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Indian Ocean, The Nautilus is renowned for its completely bespoke experience, tailoring holidays to individual needs and providing an unscripted and timeless offering. With this, the Ananda treatments will be available to guests at any time of day and will be provided in the overwater Solasta Spa’s glass-floored private treatment pavilions or in the comfort of guest’s houses and residences.
The two practitioners, Mr Sandeep Dhamada and Ms Krishna Karki, are some of Ananda’s most accomplished and expert holistic therapists. As a follow-up to these speciality treatments, The Nautilus guests will benefit from an online consultation with an Ayurvedic physician so that the holistic benefits of the treatments will continue after their stay at The Nautilus. Ananda’s gourmet Ayurvedic cuisine is available to consume anywhere on the island, incorporating anti-inflammatory properties, with fundamental food tastes carefully combined with macronutrients.
With just 26 beach and oceanside houses and residences and an extensive range of facilities and spa amenities, the private island is surrounded by the natural beauty of Hanifaru Bay, one of the largest manta feeding hotspots in the world, with white sandy beaches, pristine waters and coral reefs. This extraordinary, tranquil location combined with an unmatched ultra-luxury five-star experience make The Nautilus the perfect private island resort to relax, reset and recharge.
Ananda in the Himalayas is one of the world’s leading luxury wellness retreats, aligning with the rejuvenating spirit of The Nautilus. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, the birthplace of Ayurveda, Yoga and meditation, Ananda integrates these ancient practices with therapy and Oriental medicine. The partnership first launched in 2022 and this year’s iteration enhances the already extensive wellness offering with a series of curated experiences for guests looking to rebalance their body, soul and mind.
Specialty Treatments Offered by Ananda at The Nautilus:
- Ananda Touch with Reflexology (90 Mins): A rhythmic flowing massage with rose-scented oils that release tension and stress combined with the stimulation of reflex points on the feet, restoring energy flow to the whole body and creating balance within the body and mind.
- Indian Head Massage with Reflexology (90 Mins): This ancient experience relaxes, tones, and eases muscle tension in the neck, head, scalp and shoulders. It also aids in the elimination of toxins by stimulating circulation, followed by a massage on the feet with the application of pressure on the soles, restoring healthy energy flow throughout.
- Indian Head Massage with Shiatsu (90 Mins): A traditional massage which provides deep relaxation in neck, head, scalp, and shoulders, guiding toxins out while leaving you feeling revitalized. This is followed by Shiatsu – a full body pressure point experience improving circulation and boosting the immune system.
- Himalayan Honey and Rose Facial with Foot Massage (90 Mins): This stimulating and refreshing facial uses a blend of sandalwood and rose essential oils. Pure organic honey harvested from the Himalayas is massaged into the skin and a mask of cooling cucumber is applied. While the mask hydrates your skin, enjoy a soothing foot massage where reflex points are stimulated.
- Ananda Moksha (90 Mins): Ananda Moksha is a full body massage which uses traditional Ayurvedic therapeutic techniques used for thousands of years in India. The holistic therapy is inspired by the concept of Moksha which signifies a liberation of the senses and a release for free flow of Prana or energy.
To secure your wellness getaway contact The Nautilus at hello@thenautilusmaldives.com to reserve your ultra-luxe bohemian summer escape. For more information visit www.thenautilusmaldives.com.
Bulgarian airline GullivAir is set to launch direct scheduled flights between Malé and Sofia from 6 November 2026, establishing a new non-stop air connection between the Maldives and Bulgaria.
The service will operate throughout the 2026/27 winter season until 26 March 2027, using an Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft. The new route will provide Bulgarian travellers with direct access to the Maldives while allowing passengers departing from Malé to reach Bulgaria without an intermediate connection.
Under the announced schedule, flights from Malé to Sofia will operate every Friday, departing Malé at 4.30pm and arriving in the Bulgarian capital at 11.30pm local time. Flights from Sofia to Malé will operate every Saturday, departing at 7.45pm and arriving in the Maldives at 7.15am.
The flights will be operated using GullivAir’s Airbus A330-200, which is deployed on the airline’s long-haul services. Passengers will receive two hot meals and beverages during the flight, while baggage allowances and additional services will vary according to the fare selected at booking.
The launch provides the Maldives with a direct link to the Bulgarian market during the country’s main outbound winter travel period. At the same time, the route creates a new direct European connection for travellers from the Maldives.
Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, serves as a gateway to a range of winter, cultural and wellness destinations. Bulgaria’s established ski areas include Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo, while destinations such as Velingrad, Hisarya and Sandanski are known for mineral-water spas and wellness tourism.
The country also offers cultural and historical attractions including Sofia’s archaeological and religious sites, Plovdiv, Rila Monastery and Veliko Tarnovo. GullivAir said the direct connection would allow travellers from the Maldives to combine city stays, skiing, mountain experiences, spa visits and cultural tourism within one trip.
For the Maldivian tourism sector, the service adds another direct European connection for the 2026/27 winter season and provides easier access for travellers originating in Bulgaria. The route also broadens air connectivity between the Maldives and Southeast Europe at a time when direct services remain an important factor in facilitating leisure travel to the destination.
GullivAir is a Bulgarian airline operating international passenger services from Sofia. The airline said it is developing its scheduled network with a focus on direct connections between Bulgaria and international leisure and business destinations.
This September, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives invites guests to raise a glass, chase unforgettable moments, and embrace the resort’s signature playful spirit as Oktoberfest and Negroni Week arrive in paradise alongside a lineup of island adventures, social gatherings, and exclusive experiences.
From 19 September to 4 October 2026, Oktoberfest takes centre stage with daily beer-inspired celebrations, bringing together great food, ice-cold pours, and good company against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, cocktail enthusiasts can celebrate Negroni Week from 21 to 27 September 2026, discovering the timeless Italian classic reimagined in true Standard style.
At the heart of the Oktoberfest festivities is Todis Bar, where guests can enjoy a daily Happy Hour featuring refreshing beers and lively island vibes at sunset. Guests can also indulge in specially curated Beer Pairing Lunches at Joos Café, showcasing hearty favourites including gourmet hot dogs, German bratwurst, and shareable plates designed for gathering friends and loved ones around the table.
“At The Standard, Maldives, every celebration is an opportunity to connect, explore, and create memorable moments together,” said Nandakumar Dharuman, the resort’s Director of Culinary. “Whether guests are toasting Oktoberfest, enjoying a perfectly crafted Negroni, or setting off on a marine adventure, this season is all about bringing people together in a fun and unexpected way.”
Beyond the food and beverage experiences, guests can seamlessly combine the festivities with the resort’s signature island adventures. After all, a Maldives holiday is best enjoyed in and around the water. From snorkelling vibrant coral reefs and discovering the region’s marine wonders to unforgettable excursions in Hanifaru Bay, every experience offers a new opportunity to explore paradise. Guests can also join exhilarating manta ray excursions and glide alongside these gentle giants, with experiences available through the resort’s dive centre.
The Sip & Chat Cocktail Party, held every Monday, is another experience not to be missed. This lively social gathering brings together guests and members of the resort’s management team for an evening of cocktails, conversations, surprises, and exciting lucky draws. It is the perfect opportunity to mingle, share stories, and experience the warm, welcoming personality that defines The Standard.
Those seeking a more intimate celebration can elevate their stay with the resort’s Floating Sunset Sparkle experience. Set within the privacy of a villa pool, guests can enjoy house champagne and a selection of curated canapés while soaking in the magic of a Maldivian sunset, creating an unforgettable moment for couples and special occasions.
Whether sipping a Negroni at sunset, sharing a beer over lunch, connecting with fellow travellers, or discovering the natural beauty of the Maldives, guests are invited to celebrate September the Standard way: relaxed, playful, and anything but standard.
ROBINSON NOONU has been named Best Fun & Friendly Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026 for the second time. This marks the fourth consecutive TTM award for ROBINSON Clubs in the Maldives.
“Receiving the award for the second time is particularly gratifying. It shows that our concept resonates with both our guests and our industry partners, whilst we continue to follow our own path. ROBINSON NOONU has its very own character,” says General Manager Jan Karliczek.
ROBINSON NOONU is located on Orivaru Island in the Noonu Atoll. Guests stay in beach and water villas, many with direct ocean access or private pools. The club’s house reef invites snorkelling and diving. Sports offerings include fitness classes from yoga to HOT IRON as well as padel. The resort also features special event weeks, diverse entertainment, and programmes for children and teenagers.
With this latest recognition, ROBINSON continues its TTM Awards success in the Maldives: ROBINSON MALDIVES won awards in 2023 and 2025, whilst ROBINSON NOONU impressed in the Best Fun & Friendly Resort category in 2024 and now 2026.
The TTM Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the Maldivian tourism industry and are presented annually at the international TTM Maldives trade fair. Winners are determined through online voting accessible via the TTM website. In 2026, awards were presented across 32 categories.
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